Soul Care for Writers

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson 

Those who write have opened themselves to specific stresses. We pull from what’s inside us to create a gift. Our individual goals and dreams are as varied at the words we use. No matter why we write, I believe we each fight this battle to bring forth words to make the world a better place. We are hope givers, joy bringers, and light shiners. 

To do this though, we must have something to pull from. Writing is an exhausting endeavor and we cannot do it effectively when the well is dry. We also can’t do it when our focus is on the wrong things. So how do we fill the well and sharpen our focus?

I do it by moving closer to God. 

God is the ultimate author, and it is His inheritance that we showcase when we put pen to paper. God planted a seed in each of us that bears the fruit of words. But this seed must be nurtured—shaded in the healing covering of His presence and watered by His spirit and His word. 

There are specific things I do to connect with Him and move forward when I find myself exhausted:

• I make a list of the things that are overwhelming me.When I do this, I can see through the chaos and attack them one by one. 

• I pray over the list I’ve made.I offer each thing up to God. I ask Him to take all of it and clarify my purpose and help me weed out the things I don’t really need to do. 

• I walk away.Literally. I get up from my computer and I take a walk. My preference is to grab my camera and sneak away to some place beautiful. It can be a park, a garden, anywhere. But I’ve found that by doing this it helps because the physical exercise lifts my mood and the change of scenery feeds and refocuses my soul. 

• I reorganize my schedule.I make time to regularly feed my soul. This means making sure I begin each day with time with God. It may not be a full devotional time—sometimes that happens later in the day—but I always begin the day with prayer. I also make sure I give myself permission to play every day. I like to knit, take pictures, and journal. But any kind of play you prefer is fine.

• I set a timer.Especially if I’m struggling to write, I find that giving myself a limit helps instead of hinders my creativity. 

My newest book—coming early summer—is specifically for writers and is called, 

Soul Care for Writers. 

It’s a short book, designed to help writers fill up when the creative well runs dry. The 5 chapters are:

• Chapter One: Fighting Fear
• Chapter Two: Defeating Doubt
• Chapter Three: Banishing Blocks
• Chapter Four: Conquering Comparisons
• Chapter Five: Fortifying Faith. 

Each one contains devotions, prayers, and creative exercises that allow you to play with God and renew your creativity.

There are many things that deplete our creative energy, both outward and inward. This tiny volume helps us replenish our reserves and reconnect with the One who called us to this endeavor. It points us to the One who understands us—and our craft—best.

Now it’s your turn. How do you care for your writer’s soul? Share your thoughts in the comments section below and let’s all be inspired!

Don’t forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

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